3 Peaks, 2 Feet, 1 Human

Ultra-endurance athlete Tony Riddle has successfully completed his latest record-breaking challenge. Climbing the famous National Three Peaks barefoot, whilst running in Vivobarefoot minimalist shoes from peak-to-peak. His challenge completed in a time of nine days, seven hours and 18 minutes.

We featured Tony here in August.

Traditionally, runners would climb the highest mountains in England, Scotland and Wales and drive between destinations. Riddle instead ran approximately 50 miles per day for nine consecutive days to complete the challenge on foot. Proving that human feet are amazing pieces of kit and, in a world obsessed with cushioning and support, have all the technology you need.

The “3 Bare Peaks Challenge” involved:

• 450+ miles on foot from Mt Snowdon in Wales (1085m) to Scafell Pike in England (978m), and Ben Nevis in Scotland (1345m)
• 2 marathons a day for nine consecutive days
• 23 mile combined ascent and descent of the peaks; over 400 miles in between on the road

Riddle started the challenge at Mt Snowdon back on August 29^th, before reaching the summit of Ben Nevis today, up against challenging weather conditions throughout to beat the previous record by four hours and 31 minutes.

Speaking about his achievement, Tony Riddle said: “It has been a brutal and beautiful nine days. Running solo for up to 12 hours a day in challenging weather, on hard punishing roads and on beautiful, yet unforgiving peaks has tested me emotionally, mentally as well as physically. There is no way I could have run 50 miles a day on tarmac without the brilliant tech behind Vivobarefoot. Record aside, most of all I’m grateful to have been able to have this experience in 2020, and raise awareness and funds for the indigenous beings of the world.” 

Tony has worn and trained in Vivobarefoots to help harness his natural human potential for over 10 years. For the challenge he ran the three peaks barefoot. On the unnatural tarmac in between the peaks he ran in Vivobarefoot Primus Lite. For 50 miles of his journey, he also tested a prototype for Vivobarefoot: 3D scanned and printed footwear, bespoke for each foot! Using the latest in 3D scanning, printing and knitting technologies, the footwear will be available in 2021.

Asher Clark, co-founder and chief design office at Vivobarefoot, said: “We live in a world where running injuries are considered normal and the latest cushioning in shoes is the focus for any world breaking running performance. We were happy to see Tony use Vivobarefoot footwear, designed to mimic the barefoot condition so you can harness your natural human potential and break records without wearing the latest fancy underfoot technology. All of which is scientifically proven to improve the way you move.

Running for Survival International

As part of the challenge, the father-of-four has over £8,000 for Survival International, which helps to protect the rights of tribal people across the world. 

Indigenous people comprise less than 5% of the world’s population, yet they protect 80% of global biodiversity. Tony hopes the challenge will highlight the crucial role indigenous people play in protecting our ecosystem. Donations can still be made via this Gofundme page.

The 3 Bare Peaks Challenge was made possible support from Vivobarefoot.